Virtual ergonomics to design auxiliary equipment for commercial refrigeration

This paper presents a methodological approach, which integrates virtual humans and prototyping techniques to analyse ergonomic issues of equipment specifically designed to load refrigerated display units. It is based on the comparison between the analysis of AS-IS product and TO-BE design concepts to highlight improvements or worsening and eventual residual deficiencies to be faced. It has been used to evaluate three different lifting platforms from the workers’ point of view. The methodology has been applied considering a typical vertical display unit and ergonomic issues such as product reachability, postures and movements have been evaluated to reduce health risks. Results permitted to compare the design solutions and propose alternative solutions for improving refrigerant ergonomics.